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| Sun poisoning | |
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| A case of photodermatitis as a result of lemons | |
| Specialty | Dermatology,immunology  |
Photodermatitis, sometimes referred to assun poisoning orphotoallergy, is a form of allergic dermatitis in which theallergen must be activated by light to sensitize the allergic response, and to cause arash or other systemic effects on subsequent exposure. The second and subsequent exposures produce photoallergic skin conditions which are ofteneczematous. It is distinct fromsunburn.
Some variants are caused by topical exposure, while others are caused by medications, and still others are caused by medical conditions which generate the allergen precursors in the body.
Photodermatitis may result in swelling, difficulty breathing, a burning sensation, a red itchyrash sometimes resembling smallblisters, and peeling of the skin.Nausea may also occur. There may also be blotches where the itching may persist for long periods of time. In these areas an unsightly orange to brown tint may form, usually near or on the face.
Many medications and conditions can cause sun sensitivity, including:
Non-medication conditions that can cause it include:
Photodermatitis can also be caused by plants such asAmmi majus,parsnip, giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), common rue (Ruta graveolens), andDictamnus, agenus offlowering plants in the familyRutaceae with a single speciesDictamnus albus, commonly called the burning bush. Photodermatitis caused by plants is calledphytophotodermatitis.
Prevention includes avoiding exposure to chemicals that can trigger the reaction, such as by wearing gloves, or avoiding sunlight or wearingsunscreen[4][5] preferably with at least factor 30 and with a high UVA protection level on the affected area. And by addressing any risk factors, such as those listed above.